1813

The 1813 Capped Bust Half Dollar emerged from Philadelphia with a mintage of 1,241,903 pieces, struck during the second year of the War of 1812 when silver coinage took on heightened importance for daily commerce since the United States Mint had suspended silver dollar production years earlier. John Reich's Capped Bust design entered its seventh year of use on the half dollar, and the 1813 dies show the engraver's familiar Liberty bust with cap and drapery clasp paired with the heraldic eagle on the reverse, refined slightly from the original 1807 introduction. The year produced several distinct die marriages, and one carries the famous 50C/UNI reverse die-clash variety that is broken out separately within the series.

Each piece weighs 13.48 grams, measures 32.5 mm in diameter, and contains 89.24% silver alloyed with copper, with the edge inscribed FIFTY CENTS OR HALF A DOLLAR through Castaing machine impression applied prior to the screw-press striking operation. The 1813 issue spans multiple Overton die marriages including O-101 through O-110 and beyond, and authentication begins with confirming proper weight and diameter, then verifying the lettered edge for character formation and spacing. Strike characteristics typical of the period include some softness at Liberty's hair detail above the temple and at the eagle's wing feathers adjacent to the shield, while devices closer to the center generally show acceptable detail in Mint State examples. Authentic edge lettering displays crisp, well-separated characters that cast counterfeits cannot replicate.

Circulated grades remain affordable for type collectors and beginning Capped Bust series builders, while choice About Uncirculated and Mint State examples bring competitive prices through Heritage Auctions and Stack's Bowers. Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) populations show reasonable Mint State availability through MS-63, with gem grades much scarcer. To understand the production context surrounding this issue, see our Capped Bust Half Dollar series history.